Rotarians, Teens Pitch In For Railway Cleanup

Volunteers from Rotary clubs in Kapolei, Pearl Harbor, Mililani and Wahiawa join students from Kapolei, Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Nanakuli and Mililani high schools to paint freight cars (top) and pick up litter (bottom) April 24 as part of a volunteer day along the historic Ewa railway. Photos by Dan Fullenwider.

More than 100 volunteers from five Oahu Rotary clubs and three West Oahu high schools helped beautify a six-mile stretch of railway along the old Ewa tracks on April 24 as part of a renewed effort to help the historic landmark retain its vitality.

At least 50 Rotarians collected litter and painted freight cars at the defunct rail yard, which now stands as a museum operated by the 235-member Hawaiian Railway Society. Also pitching in with the four-hour effort were more than 60 high school students, including those from Kapolei, Ewa Beach and Waipahu.

“It was excellent, and we really had a good turnout,” said Harold Nedd, public relations director for Kapolei Rotary Club.“The Rotarians specifically did a great job tackling the repainting of the freight cars, and the students did a fantastic job removing debris from the area.”

Volunteers from Rotary clubs in Kapolei, Pearl Harbor, Mililani and Wahiawa join students from Kapolei, Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Nanakuli and Mililani high schools to paint freight cars (top) and pick up litter (bottom) April 24 as part of a volunteer day along the historic Ewa railway. Photos by Dan Fullenwider.

The cleanup coincided with “Rotarians at Work Day,” an international effort intended to encourage volunteers to participate in a one-day public service project. The cleanup was led by Rotary clubs from Kapolei, Pearl Harbor, Mililani and Wahiawa.

“This community service project helps us with our commitment to saving, restoring and protecting Hawaii’s railroading history,” said Tom McCarthy, administrator of the nonprofit railway society.

“We commend all of the volunteers for emphasizing the value of community service.”